IDEACon 2024 - Workforce

The Advancing IDEA in Planetary Science 2024 meeting was originally held October 21-25, 2025 and was organized by the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Their webpages about the meeting, including abstracts, have been removed from their site. Since the meeting was in the public domain, we are reproducing the program, including abstracts, here. Some abstracts have been removed for the safety of the authors. If you notice any problems with this webpage, contact webmaster@workforce.psi.edu. All times listed were CDT.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Chairs: Prajkta Mane J./K. Knicely

Leadership Practices in Advancing IDEA

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:10 p.m.	Matiella Novak M. A.*	Community Approaches to Advancing DEIA in Planetary Science Leadership [#2023] Our goal is to develop actions that address the NASEM recommendations at various levels through-out the planetary science community, with the shared objective of increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among mission leadership. Presentation
12:20 p.m.	Cole S. B.*	Assembling and Managing a Large, Diverse, Inclusive Team: EDIA Lessons Learned from my First Two Years as PI of MER PORTAL [#2025] Leading a project / focused on EDIA / these are lessons learned. Presentation

Practices for Fostering Inclusivity

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
2:15 pm	Bennett K.A.	USGS Step Up! Employee Empowerment Strategies: A Bystander Intervention Program for the Planetary Science Community [#2029] The USGS SEES Bystander Intervention training is available for the planetary science community. Presentation
2:25 pm	Koeppel A. H.D.*	Conducting Inclusive and Engaging Planetary Analog Fieldwork [#2017] We present some of the many lessons learned from our NASA Goddard research community in support of inclusivity and engagement in planetary analog fieldwork. Presentation
2:35 pm	Roberts J.H.	It’s All in a Name [#2019] To respect someone / Respect their identity / A work in progress. Presentation

Education and Diverse Workforce

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
3:45 p.m.	Sit E. C. L.*	Astrox Ideas (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Special-Education): How to Integrate Planetary Science Education into Interactive Classroom and Popular Science Communication [#2028] STEM+A@Astronomy uses interdisciplinary approaches to provide engaging, multi-sensory astronomy education experiences. Presentation
3:55 p.m.	Wilk K. A.*	Advancing Earth and Planetary Science Education in Providence Public School District [#2022] The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS) at Brown University created an outreach program DEEPS Career Opportunities and Research in Earth Sciences (CORES) to expose students to geoscience topics in Providence, RI. Presentation
4:05 p.m.	Shaner A. J.*	What Does a Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement Workshop Look Like? [#2037] Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement workshops provide participants with tools they can use in their journey to more intentionally engage with diverse communities. Presentation
4:15 p.m.	Beaudoin G. M.*	VIRTEX: Supporting Underserved Youth through Mentorship [#2039] A review of the goals, progress, and future opportunities with VIRTEX, a NASA-funded informal STEM engagement program that partners with Boys & Girls Clubs to support the development and mentorship of underserved youth. Presentation

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 12:00 PM

Chairs: Ali Bramson Jordyn-Marie Dudley

NASA Inclusion Plans

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:05 p.m.	Barnette K. W.*	Requirements for Evaluation of Inclusion Plans: SMD Interim Policy Document and Evaluation Rubric [#2044] This abstract presents an overview of the Interim SMD Policy Document and evaluation rubric that will govern how Inclusion Plans will be reviewed for proposals submitted to participating programs in SMD. Presentation
12:15 p.m.	Rathbun J. A.*	Inclusion Plans and Their Implementation [#2010] We are concerned that the current definition of inclusion used by and implementation of Inclusion Plans by NASA unintentionally disincentivizes diversity and inclusion. We favor a shift to strategies that promote better practices across the field. Presentation

Community IDEA Efforts: Activities and Priorities

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:35 p.m.	Bergsten G. J.*	A Review of IDEA Best Practices from the AWESOM SAG [#2014] As part of the AWESOM SAG, we conducted a meta-analysis of IDEA best practices in the space sciences. We collected 100+ recommendations into a queryable database, and synthesized a list of the most common points from recent community literature. Presentation
12:45 p.m.	Knicely K.**	Recent and Upcoming Activities of the Cross-AG EDIA Working Group [#2030] Planetary science and space exploration is the purview of all people, not just a privileged few. The XAG EDIA WG is working to make reality reflect that truth. Check out our website to learn more: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/idea/working- group/. Presentation

NASA Initiatives for Advancing IDEA

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
2:20 p.m.	Zellner N. E. B.*	NASA’S SMD MOSAICS Program: A New Source of Grant Funding [#2009] In the past ROSES year, NASA’s MOSAICS program awarded >$13M to 44 Principal Investigators at academic institutions around the country that have historically not received NASA funding. Data and other MOSAICS funding opportunities will be presented. Presentation
2:30 p.m.	Vaughan A.*	Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiatives on the Mars 2020 Science Team and Implications for NASA Planetary Science Missions [#2032] We present a summary of initiatives taken by the DEIA working group of the Mars 2020 Science Team to advance DEIA values and build an inclusive community. Work is ongoing; our challenges and barriers to implementation are discussed. Presentation
2:40 p.m.	Higgins M. N.*	Year 1 Reflections and Year 2 Plans from NASA’s Here to Observe (H2O) Program [#2040] We will present preliminary outcomes from PSD’s H2O Program in the past academic year and summarize adjustments and open areas for community feedback & support. Presentation
2:50 p.m.	Furfaro E. F.	Navigating Change: The Transformation and Evolution of SMD’s Culture of IDEA [#2033] NASA’s Science Mission Directorate remains committed to advancing a workplace culture where DEIA principles are deeply engrained and integral to the work environment. Presentation

Building and Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
4:15 p.m.	Rathbun J. A.*	What Does the Planetary Science Workforce Look Like? What We Know and What We Need to Do [#2011] We summarize the demographic data available, the NASEM recommendations about data collection, and suggestions for future data collection. Presentation
4:25 p.m.	Jensen H. B.**	The NASA Science Mission Directorate’s ROSES 2021 Research and Analysis Yearbook: An Online Resource for Programmatic and Self-reported Demographic Data [#2015] The ROSES 2021 Research and Analysis Yearbook is a new, online resource to provide relevant science communities and the public with data about ROSES 2021, including demographic data analyses of proposers and programmatic information. Presentation
4:35 p.m.	Shupla C.*	Creating and Using a Rubric to Design Inclusive Selections in Planetary Programs [#2047] We have designed rubrics as a tool to help with the participant selection for trainings and will continue to revise them with input from the selection committees. Presentation

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Strategies for an Inclusive Workforce

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:05 p.m.	Buxner S. R.*	Strategies to Support Students of Color in Development of Workforce Skills: Lessons Learned from L’SPACE [#2016] We describe key strategies to support students of color to succeed in a NASA supported workforce development program. Presentation
12:15 p.m.	Cominsky L. R.**	NASA’s Neurodiversity Network and Autism in the STEM Community [#2012] NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3) was selected in 2021 as part of NASA’s Science Activation program. N3 aims to provide a pathway to NASA participation and STEM employment for neurodiverse learners, focusing on those who identify as autistic. Presentation

Collaboration and Communication

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:55 p.m.	Srivastava A.*	Bridging Global Gaps: Addressing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (Idea) in the International Planetary Science Community [#2024] Disparities between developed and emerging space agencies affect planetary science’s global equity. Addressing these funding gaps through IDEA-focused initiatives, joint funding, and mentorship can foster more inclusive international collaboration. Presentation
1:05 p.m.	Karageozian M. E.*	Democratic Citizen Engagement with Participatory Technology Assessments for NASA Decadal Surveys [#2035] Public participation in science policy and science funding is crucial for responsible innovation and research. Including a participatory Technology Assessment to NASA’s Decadal Survey processes can increase democracy in NASA science prioritization. Presentation

Safe Spaces for all

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
3:20 p.m.	Tymchuk B. M.	Proposal of a Planetary Science Confidential Mental Health and Disability Resource, Opportunity, and Support Center [#2045] This research proposes inclusion and support of those with mental illness with a confidential support group for the success of those with mental health disabilities in planetary science research. Presentation
3:30 p.m.	Trang D.*	Mental Health of Planetary Science: The Relationship Between Mission Participation and Mental Health Symptoms [#2013] Graduate students and postdocs who are not currently participating on a mission experience greater severity of depressive symptoms than students and postdocs who are currently participating on a mission. Presentation

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
4:05 p.m.	Wells-Jensen S.*	Disability in Space: An AstroAccess Update [#2026] Some still feel that spaceflight is the sole domain of the nondisabled. Happily, disabled people are finding our way into space as well. We describe the progress we have made in both microgravity and analog environments, and our future research. Presentation
4:15 p.m.	Davis B. R. D.*	Assessing Health Risks for Trans Individuals in a Mars Habitat: Preparing for Diverse Human Settlements on Mars [#2004] Assessing health risks for trans individuals in Mars habitats, focusing on HRT stability, bone density, cardiovascular health, and psychological well-being. Using AI simulations, this study aims to develop protocols ensuring safety and inclusion.
4:25 p.m.	Phillips J. T.*	Moving Toward Inclusive Space: Shifting from a Frontier Perspective to Mindfully Communicating Space Science to the Public [#2036] In advancing an inclusive approach to space, we must consider the role of our communication tactics when relating space science to the public, and how certain messages may alienate entire populations by painting a distinctly limiting image of space. Presentation

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Accessibility in Planetary Science

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:05 p.m.	Piatek J. L.*	Reflections on an Accessible Field Course: Three Years of GeoSPACE [#2020] Field course required? / Virtual, in-person options / GeoSPACE provides. Volcanos, craters / Reflections on accessibility / Three years, lessons learned. Presentation
12:25 p.m.	Grier J.*	The Disabled Science Writers’ Retreat: Moving Forward [#2003] The first Disabled Science Writers’ Retreat (DSWR) was highly successful, joining disabled writers and scientists via disability-centered approaches. Future plans include innovative publishing, a virtual community of practice, and more. Presentation

Keynote Presentation by Alvin Harvey: Introduction to Indigenous Astrophilosophy

Friday, October 24, 2024

Insights into Social Change

Times	*Authors (Presenter)**	Abstract Title and Summary
12:20 p.m.	Grier J.*	Science Fiction and Fantasy in Action with Community: Insights into Social Change [#2021] Science Fiction and Fantasy communities interact in ways that directly parallel professional science – creating dynamic feedback loops between writing(science), writers(authors), and fans(colleagues) that bring new vectors for EDIA in those spaces. Presentation
12:30 p.m.	Srinivasan G.*	Restoring Credibility Through Critical Analyses [#2018] The unequal and asymmetrical institutional structures, narratives and socio-cultural histories that contribute to the unequitable work environment on the life of an individual scholar in global north and south institutions is explored. Presentation
12:40 p.m.	Haenecour P.*	Toward Inclusive, Accessible, and FAIR Community Standards and Best Practices for Managing Astromaterial Data [#2031] We report on our efforts to develop best practices and community-agreed-upon standards for astromaterials data and how they contribute to making the data more inclusive and accessible to all communities. Presentation